12-Day Mauritania & Western Sahara Expedition – Fixed Departure

Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our team. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Free time to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning departure by bus from Dakhla heading south along the Atlantic road.

Cross the border into Mauritania and continue to Nouadhibou, the country’s second-largest city.

Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the cool maritime breeze.

Overnight in Nouadhibou.

* Visit Cap Blanc, home to dramatic cliffs and the last colony of Mediterranean monk seals.

* Continue along the coast to Tafarit, a peaceful fishermen village.

* Arrive in Iwik, gateway to Banc d’Arguin National Park.

Dinner and overnight in a local ecolodge / camp.

* Early morning traditional Imraguen fishing boat excursion in Banc d’Arguin, one of the world’s richest bird-migration reserves.

* Observe flamingos, pelicans, dolphins and unique fishing techniques practiced for centuries.

* Return to Iwik and drive to Chami, a small town near the desert.

Overnight in Chami.

Travel through changing Saharan landscapes toward Akjoujt and then enter the vast dunes of Azouega.

Settle in a beautiful desert space where golden dunes surround the camp.

Enjoy a traditional dinner, star-gazing, and a peaceful desert night.

Overnight in desert camp.

* Crossing Tifoujar Pass, one of Mauritania’s most scenic viewpoints.

* Visit the oasis of Terjit, famous for its natural hot springs and palm groves.

* Continue to the M’heirith region, known for its prehistoric rock engravings.

* Arrive in Chinguetti, the ancient caravan city and UNESCO site.

Overnight in a guesthouse in Chinguetti.

Morning exploration of Chinguetti’s old city, ancient manuscript libraries, and stone-built architecture.

After lunch, drive into the remote Tenouchart Plateau, an otherworldly landscape of dunes and eroded rock formations.

Overnight in the desert camp.

* Drive to Ouadane, a UNESCO world-heritage desert fortress city.

* Continue to the incredible Richat Structure (the “Eye of the Sahara”), an enormous geological formation visible from space.

* Proceed to Atar, the lively capital of the Adrar region.

Overnight in Atar.

* Visit Ben Amera, the world’s second-largest monolith.

* Reach Choum or Tmeimichat to board the legendary Iron Ore Train, one of the longest and heaviest trains in the world.

Spend the night on the train for a true Mauritanian adventure.

Overnight: On the train (open wagons or cabin depending on availability).

Arrive in Nouadhibou and transfer to the hotel.

A full rest day to relax after the train journey.

Overnight in Nouadhibou.

Brief city tour of Nouadhibou:

* Port

* Spanish lighthouse

* Local markets

* Bay of the Lagoon

In the afternoon, cross the border back to Dakhla.

Overnight in Dakhla.

Transfer to Dakhla airport depending on your flight time.

End of the tour.